Hockey and Spinal Cord Injuries

Hockey is Canada's favourite past time. Many Canadians have memories of playing or watching hockey while growing up. Most Canadians share a passion for the game that unites us all.

Although hockey is Canada's beloved sport, injuries suffered during play can be life altering. One of the largest dangers for hockey players is an unforeseen collision with the boards. Being hit from behind or checked into the boards can have serious consequences. Numerous hockey careers have come to an end due to head or spinal injuries.

Thomas Smith suffered a serious spinal cord injury as a result of colliding with the boards in 2009 which subsequently ended his hockey career. As a result, Thomas made it his goal to ensure others would not suffer the same injury he did.

Thomas created the Look-Up Line – an orange oval painted around the perimeter of the ice that warns players when they are 40 inches from the boards. The reason for the line is to give a visual warning to players where they are on the ice so they can manoeuvre their body to avoid a collision with the boards.

The lines have not been adopted yet in Canada, however in June 2014 the GTHL (Greater Toronto Hockey League) announced they would study the Look-Up Line. In the USA both the NCAA and USA Hockey has recognized the Look-Up Line as a crucial step in player safety. It is predicted to be incorporated in over 100 rinks in 15 states for the 2014-2015 season.
 

To protect our players and increase safety one can hope that the lines are adopted soon in Canada for all leagues and levels as well.